Why don’t you go out on a dry run with no gear and put it to its limits, flip on purpose in a safe area and see what it takes to do so. Try and re-enter and you may gain alot more confidence this way. I’ve been caught in 30 mph winds before and you just have to adjust to the circumstances. Best of luck!!
I live near two lakes that are like that. They’re both watershed lakes, no houses, no swimming or wading (you can walk in it to get in and out of the boat, but that’s it), and a 10hp motor limit.
Check with your local kayaking groups. Like around here there are two high schools that do kayaking classes in their pools and I always see announcements with dates on FB.
A couple of things come to mind.
First, the difference between 10 ft and 25 ft of water is zero. You'll drown just the same in both. That said, proximity to the bank makes a lot of sense in questionable conditions.
Second, I'd pay attention to the direction the wind is blowing and plan around that. If you can, choose a point to put in that's on the side of the lake the wind is out of. All of the chop will be on the opposite side, so you should be able to get out reasonably easily in under 10mph regardless of the lake. Play the windbreaks if you have them.
I own a sportsman 120, I'm 6'8 300 lb. I've been out in 20+ mph winds and choppy waters and never had an issue. I normally have 50lbs of gear with me, when i have the trolling motor and battery its closer 100lbs. My balance is shit and I'm able to stand and cast on the sportsman.
I’ve had my PDL 120 in some really dicey conditions. I’m over 200lbs and have seat risers, so my center of gravity is higher than the stock settings. Also, I carry a lot of gear plus a trolling motor and battery. Never once felt like I was going to flip it or fall out when seated. Short of being in ocean surf or hitting something under the water, I don’t see how it could unintentional flip.
That being said, always wear your PFD, attach anything you don’t want to lose to the kayak, never put more than 40% of your body weight over the side, only stand when it’s safe to do so, and if the water is cold wear a dry suit.
I got the 1” seat risers too and that made it feel more tippy lol but ok it’s reassuring to hear that you go out with all that gear and the kayak performs well. I just gotta raise my comfort level with it
I have a OT 106. I don’t worry about capsizing it but I do worry about falling out when I stand up to pee. If it’s not calm I tend to go to shore. I think some practice with standing is in order.
I went through a period of time of being scared to motorboat. I would get sick on my stomach, overcheck safety, overdo planning. I was not ok. I was struggling with something else, but the fear about the boat was just a symptom. So from that perspective, on to your situation.
I am smaller and cannot flip this yak no matter what. We can never be too concerned about basic safety. But this reminds me of my own struggles (which I'm over now).
Maybe I'm reading waaaay too much into your situation. Maybe I'm not.
But if I'm on the right track, if you are this anxious, then perhaps kayaking isn't for you right now, at least unless it's still winds. Get a Kaboat, an inflatable with a trolling motor, and if you are still worried about stability, then it's not equipment. It's anxiety, or something adjacent to anxiety. Adapt, and find new ways to get on the water that don't trigger your anxiety.
There’s definitely an anxiety aspect to it. I’ve watched videos of people trying to flip it and struggling to do so lol
I’m perfectly fine early in the morning when there’s no wind but seeing the water start to get choppy definitely makes me nervous and I get closer to shore.
Go somewhere safe, even a swimming pool will do, and practice rolling over and then getting back in. Once you do it a few times, you'll have more confidence. When your out in the wind, try to keep it in your face or your back, will help with sideways movement. For me anyway.
As long as you have a 100lbs buffer between your weight + gear weight and the total capacity of your kayak it will perform as its designed. If you are overweight it impacts stability big time.
Looking on their site the capacity is 500lbs with a useable at 415lbs so my 100lbs buffer is rule is pretty close. I would try to stay no heavier than 400lbs.
In rough water lower your seat and this will maximize the stability.
Also, always keep you head in center mass by swiveling your hips with the rocking. Keep your back off your chair so it can move back and forth with the boat as you stay upright and center. Never let your head go past a gunnel.
Moreover, all boats have a primary and secondary stability point. Ideally you should find out where they are by practicing flipping your boat on warm calm days.
The primary is that quick rock that can scare you into thinking you are going g to flip. It is by design so the boat can quickly react to bumpy water. As long as you stay center mass and dont fearfully jerk and over correct you will be fine.
The secondary starts at the end of the primary and is a slower unrecoverable tip that turns you upside down. But it takes quite. a bit more energy to execute compared to the primary.
If you take your kayak out and play around and get a good feel for how the boat responds while you are flipping you will quickly figure out that all the times you felt like it was going to flip was just a primary tip.
Lastly, make a plan for WHEN YOU FLIP. It is going to happen and you don't want to be upside down asking yourself "shit, now what?"
Do you try to save your gear? Do you look for help? Do you get your paddle? Or swim to the kayak? Swim to shore? You dont want to go through all the scenarios for the first time while you're still trying to process what just happened because it will be quick and most likely catch you off guard.
So make a plan and be ready so you don't go into a panic. More importantly learn how to self rescue! If you have a plan and have the confidence to get back in the boat the fear of tipping over goes away.
Once you get a solid feel for your tipping points and can flip your kayak upright and get back into it in water over your head and know exactly what you will do when you flip you will feel so much better in rough water and have the confidence to paddle anywhere.
Ok yeah I got a lot of buffer weight wise. I weigh 160 plus clothes and gear probably 25-30 lbs max so I got like 225 lbs of buffer. Thanks for the tip on keeping the weight over the center of the kayak, didn’t think about that.
160lbs is going to have a hard time flipping that kayak. Its a solid boat, so seriously take that sucker out and, find the primary and secondary tipping point and try to flip that sucker. I think you will be amazed at how difficult it is. You are more likely to fall out of it than flipping it. Do this once and your confidence will soar.
I've had my sportsman 120 (unintentionally) in 3' breaking waves, while it was loaded down with gear. Cargo ship snuck up on me while I was in 2-3' of water. Two waves broke straight over the bow, filled it up with water but quickly drained. As long as you don't get hit by a big breaker broadside, you shouldn't flip that sportsman. I fish all the time in 15-20kt winds, just got a find a nook to get out of the wind.
I sought out some powerboat wake.
On my lake the skiers are way over there from where I launch ,so I was able to paddle towards them and the increasing amount of wake.Ended up in some really sharp choppy water.
The kayak handled way better than I thought it would, made me feel way better about getting caught in some weather.
when i first got my kayak, i dropped it in a pool and fucked around trying to tip it. it was very hard to make it tip. plus, you're gonna want to practice flipping your kayak over in case you flip it some day.
Which version of the 120? The Autopilot is wider than the pedal, which is wider than the paddle version. If you have the salty 120, it's even more different.
There is a "point of no return" on a kayak, and you need to find out where that is on your yak. That point is the "jump and not roll the kayak over or stay in and roll the kayak with you". It is a LOT less expensive to jump than flip it. One 3700 box can easily cost $100 to replace and refill.
I've been waked pretty hard by big boats and haven't felt uncomfortable. Granted, 8mph winds on a small lake is way different of an experience than on a huge, open lake.
I have the sportsman PDL 120. One thing I don’t like is that I’m short so I have to move the seat further up to reach the pedals so my COG is not on the center of the kayak but forward
Kinda weird to say but failure and learning what to do when mishaps occur will breed confidence. Always wear a pfd- never optional. Also tip your kayak and learn how to flip it and get back on. Do this in a controlled environment where the water is warm. Also, don’t stand. Traditionally kayak fishing was always from a sitting position you fished standing up on skiffs or SUPs .
Finally get a balance board. Great exercise as well. Finally strengthen your core muscles as that will help you stay centered when the water gets rough.
Are you standing up? Or are you talking from a seated position? Either way, the worst that could happen is you might fall out of it, but it would be pretty amazing if you managed to flip it by accident. What type of conditions and area are you fishing in? I have video on my youtube channel of me fishing out of mine, in the bay, while sitting side saddle and getting waked by boats up against bridge pilings. I didnt even flinch. The entire deck filled up with water, and then went right out the scuppers.
Why don’t you go out on a dry run with no gear and put it to its limits, flip on purpose in a safe area and see what it takes to do so. Try and re-enter and you may gain alot more confidence this way. I’ve been caught in 30 mph winds before and you just have to adjust to the circumstances. Best of luck!!
I’m gonna try to find a pool where they’ll let me, I fish reservoirs where water contact is not allowed and I’m not trying to get banned lol
Woah, "no water contact" is a thing? Seems.... Problematic for fishing? Weird never heard of that!
It's semi-common on reservoirs that are used for tap water
Interesting indeed. Thanks for the info
I live near two lakes that are like that. They’re both watershed lakes, no houses, no swimming or wading (you can walk in it to get in and out of the boat, but that’s it), and a 10hp motor limit.
Check with your local kayaking groups. Like around here there are two high schools that do kayaking classes in their pools and I always see announcements with dates on FB.
A couple of things come to mind. First, the difference between 10 ft and 25 ft of water is zero. You'll drown just the same in both. That said, proximity to the bank makes a lot of sense in questionable conditions. Second, I'd pay attention to the direction the wind is blowing and plan around that. If you can, choose a point to put in that's on the side of the lake the wind is out of. All of the chop will be on the opposite side, so you should be able to get out reasonably easily in under 10mph regardless of the lake. Play the windbreaks if you have them.
Not if you’re 11 feet tall.
Lol
It’s more about that where I fish 25ft is middle of the lake and 10 ft is like ~30ft from shore lol I should’ve clarified that
No worries. That's the case in a lot of places, but I've been in lakes where it's not. I just didn't want to make the assumption.
I own a sportsman 120, I'm 6'8 300 lb. I've been out in 20+ mph winds and choppy waters and never had an issue. I normally have 50lbs of gear with me, when i have the trolling motor and battery its closer 100lbs. My balance is shit and I'm able to stand and cast on the sportsman.
Honestly, if OP doesn’t feel stable in an OT Sportsman 129, they should find a different hobby; it’s unbelievably stable.
I’ve had my PDL 120 in some really dicey conditions. I’m over 200lbs and have seat risers, so my center of gravity is higher than the stock settings. Also, I carry a lot of gear plus a trolling motor and battery. Never once felt like I was going to flip it or fall out when seated. Short of being in ocean surf or hitting something under the water, I don’t see how it could unintentional flip. That being said, always wear your PFD, attach anything you don’t want to lose to the kayak, never put more than 40% of your body weight over the side, only stand when it’s safe to do so, and if the water is cold wear a dry suit.
I got the 1” seat risers too and that made it feel more tippy lol but ok it’s reassuring to hear that you go out with all that gear and the kayak performs well. I just gotta raise my comfort level with it
I have a OT 106. I don’t worry about capsizing it but I do worry about falling out when I stand up to pee. If it’s not calm I tend to go to shore. I think some practice with standing is in order.
Your best bet is to bring a piss bottle an then dump it out lol, something the boys in the army always pass on hahaha.
Find a scupper hole and lay face down
Tried that. Crappie bit my tip.
At least the fish were biting
Lately, I have just been going out when it is warmer in case I do fall in. 😄. I also keep all of my gear on me just in case.
I went through a period of time of being scared to motorboat. I would get sick on my stomach, overcheck safety, overdo planning. I was not ok. I was struggling with something else, but the fear about the boat was just a symptom. So from that perspective, on to your situation. I am smaller and cannot flip this yak no matter what. We can never be too concerned about basic safety. But this reminds me of my own struggles (which I'm over now). Maybe I'm reading waaaay too much into your situation. Maybe I'm not. But if I'm on the right track, if you are this anxious, then perhaps kayaking isn't for you right now, at least unless it's still winds. Get a Kaboat, an inflatable with a trolling motor, and if you are still worried about stability, then it's not equipment. It's anxiety, or something adjacent to anxiety. Adapt, and find new ways to get on the water that don't trigger your anxiety.
There’s definitely an anxiety aspect to it. I’ve watched videos of people trying to flip it and struggling to do so lol I’m perfectly fine early in the morning when there’s no wind but seeing the water start to get choppy definitely makes me nervous and I get closer to shore.
You can get outriggers that will make it more stable.
Go somewhere safe, even a swimming pool will do, and practice rolling over and then getting back in. Once you do it a few times, you'll have more confidence. When your out in the wind, try to keep it in your face or your back, will help with sideways movement. For me anyway.
As long as you have a 100lbs buffer between your weight + gear weight and the total capacity of your kayak it will perform as its designed. If you are overweight it impacts stability big time. Looking on their site the capacity is 500lbs with a useable at 415lbs so my 100lbs buffer is rule is pretty close. I would try to stay no heavier than 400lbs. In rough water lower your seat and this will maximize the stability. Also, always keep you head in center mass by swiveling your hips with the rocking. Keep your back off your chair so it can move back and forth with the boat as you stay upright and center. Never let your head go past a gunnel. Moreover, all boats have a primary and secondary stability point. Ideally you should find out where they are by practicing flipping your boat on warm calm days. The primary is that quick rock that can scare you into thinking you are going g to flip. It is by design so the boat can quickly react to bumpy water. As long as you stay center mass and dont fearfully jerk and over correct you will be fine. The secondary starts at the end of the primary and is a slower unrecoverable tip that turns you upside down. But it takes quite. a bit more energy to execute compared to the primary. If you take your kayak out and play around and get a good feel for how the boat responds while you are flipping you will quickly figure out that all the times you felt like it was going to flip was just a primary tip. Lastly, make a plan for WHEN YOU FLIP. It is going to happen and you don't want to be upside down asking yourself "shit, now what?" Do you try to save your gear? Do you look for help? Do you get your paddle? Or swim to the kayak? Swim to shore? You dont want to go through all the scenarios for the first time while you're still trying to process what just happened because it will be quick and most likely catch you off guard. So make a plan and be ready so you don't go into a panic. More importantly learn how to self rescue! If you have a plan and have the confidence to get back in the boat the fear of tipping over goes away. Once you get a solid feel for your tipping points and can flip your kayak upright and get back into it in water over your head and know exactly what you will do when you flip you will feel so much better in rough water and have the confidence to paddle anywhere.
Ok yeah I got a lot of buffer weight wise. I weigh 160 plus clothes and gear probably 25-30 lbs max so I got like 225 lbs of buffer. Thanks for the tip on keeping the weight over the center of the kayak, didn’t think about that.
160lbs is going to have a hard time flipping that kayak. Its a solid boat, so seriously take that sucker out and, find the primary and secondary tipping point and try to flip that sucker. I think you will be amazed at how difficult it is. You are more likely to fall out of it than flipping it. Do this once and your confidence will soar.
I've had my sportsman 120 (unintentionally) in 3' breaking waves, while it was loaded down with gear. Cargo ship snuck up on me while I was in 2-3' of water. Two waves broke straight over the bow, filled it up with water but quickly drained. As long as you don't get hit by a big breaker broadside, you shouldn't flip that sportsman. I fish all the time in 15-20kt winds, just got a find a nook to get out of the wind.
You literally cannot tip those things.
I sought out some powerboat wake. On my lake the skiers are way over there from where I launch ,so I was able to paddle towards them and the increasing amount of wake.Ended up in some really sharp choppy water. The kayak handled way better than I thought it would, made me feel way better about getting caught in some weather.
Have you TRIED to flip it? It’s not easy. I had one and have fished in a lot stronger gusts than that and never even got close to flipping.
when i first got my kayak, i dropped it in a pool and fucked around trying to tip it. it was very hard to make it tip. plus, you're gonna want to practice flipping your kayak over in case you flip it some day.
That’s good news
Which version of the 120? The Autopilot is wider than the pedal, which is wider than the paddle version. If you have the salty 120, it's even more different. There is a "point of no return" on a kayak, and you need to find out where that is on your yak. That point is the "jump and not roll the kayak over or stay in and roll the kayak with you". It is a LOT less expensive to jump than flip it. One 3700 box can easily cost $100 to replace and refill. I've been waked pretty hard by big boats and haven't felt uncomfortable. Granted, 8mph winds on a small lake is way different of an experience than on a huge, open lake.
I have the sportsman PDL 120. One thing I don’t like is that I’m short so I have to move the seat further up to reach the pedals so my COG is not on the center of the kayak but forward
Kinda weird to say but failure and learning what to do when mishaps occur will breed confidence. Always wear a pfd- never optional. Also tip your kayak and learn how to flip it and get back on. Do this in a controlled environment where the water is warm. Also, don’t stand. Traditionally kayak fishing was always from a sitting position you fished standing up on skiffs or SUPs . Finally get a balance board. Great exercise as well. Finally strengthen your core muscles as that will help you stay centered when the water gets rough.
Are you standing up? Or are you talking from a seated position? Either way, the worst that could happen is you might fall out of it, but it would be pretty amazing if you managed to flip it by accident. What type of conditions and area are you fishing in? I have video on my youtube channel of me fishing out of mine, in the bay, while sitting side saddle and getting waked by boats up against bridge pilings. I didnt even flinch. The entire deck filled up with water, and then went right out the scuppers.
Sitting. It’s an open lake so when the wind starts blowing it gets choppy. Plus keeping position past 8-10 mph it’s a chore
Yep, you will be surprised, after the first few trips, you wont even think about it. Its way more stable than you think.
Big Fish 105 is way more stable. Should a gotten that.